Total Defence Day 2017

February 15, 2017

Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen’s Total Defence Day message

On 15 February, 75 years ago, Singapore fell, as British forces surrendered to Japanese invaders. In this video, I stand in the very room in the former Ford Factory along Upper Bukit Timah Road in which the surrender took place. Three and a half years of suffering and deprivation followed for those living in Singapore under Japanese Occupation.

This is why we commemorate Total Defence Day on 15 February every year – a reminder that only when everyone plays a part through Military, Civil, Economic, Social and Psychological Defence, can we ensure a Singapore that is safe, secure and sovereign.